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Tennessee football’s top five seniors for 2021

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg
Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg /
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Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during warm ups before the game against South Carolina on Saturday, October 26, 2019Kns Ut South Carolina
Tennessee defensive back Alontae Taylor (2) during warm ups before the game against South Carolina on Saturday, October 26, 2019Kns Ut South Carolina /

Alontae Taylor. 2. player. Defensive back. Manchester, Tenn.. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

6’0″ 195 pounds

Trevon Flowers isn’t Tennessee football’s only experienced defensive back this year. In addition to Theo Jackson, the Vols also have Alontae Taylor and Kenneth George Jr. at cornerback. Of them, Taylor is clearly the top playmaker.

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When fully healthy, Taylor has been starting at cornerback since he was a freshman. For his career, the in-state graduate of Coffee County Central High School has two interceptions, nine passes deflected, two forced fumbles, a defensive touchdown, four tackles for a loss, half a sack and 102 overall tackles, 74 of which were solo. The guy does it all for a cornerback.

Last year, Taylor struggled at times, as he played hurt. The COVID restrictions hampered everybody’s development and conditioning. However, now fully healthy and re-energized in a new scheme, Taylor should once again be an elite player for the Vols, and with Bryce Thompson having left early for the NFL, he’s the most crucial player in the secondary.

Vols' top five juniors for 2021. light. Related Story

Both Taylor and Flowers will likely be able to return next year given that NCAA COVID eligibility ruling. However, their potential this year could lead them to go ahead and enter the NFL Draft, as they should be major playmakers in UT’s secondary. There’s a reason they both made this list.

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